Max Verstappen has shed light on the ongoing reliability challenges faced by Red Bull Racing during the 2026 Formula 1® season, particularly with the RB22 car. His description of the car as being "made out of paper" highlights the persistent issues with component breakages and malfunctions, mainly at the rear of the vehicle, which have affected performance throughout the year.
These reliability problems have caused the car to react unpredictably over kerbs and bumps, resulting in excessive bouncing and a noticeable loss of lap time. Verstappen has acknowledged that despite the significant technical regulation changes and the introduction of a new car design for 2026, these issues have continued to hamper Red Bull’s competitiveness. The team is aware of the problem and is actively working on solutions, though a definitive fix has yet to be found.
During the Italian Grand Prix qualifying weekend at Monza, Verstappen expressed his frustration with the car's fragility, explaining that it has led him to adopt a more cautious approach during races to avoid further degradation. While the problem does not pose a safety risk comparable to previous rear wing failures, it has nonetheless impacted the driver's confidence and the car’s overall performance. Verstappen also noted that almost every race weekend this season has brought some form of setback for Red Bull Racing.
The issues appear to be concentrated on the rear of the car, though Verstappen declined to specify the exact components involved. The recurring nature of these problems has made it difficult for the team to maintain consistent performance, especially on circuits like Monza where the car’s balance and stability are critical. Verstappen’s comments came after experiencing a noticeable disconnect in the car’s balance during Friday practice sessions, which foreshadowed a challenging qualifying session.
Red Bull Racing’s efforts to address the reliability concerns are ongoing, but the complexity of the problem means that improvements are gradual. Verstappen’s cautious driving style under these conditions reflects a pragmatic approach to managing the car’s limitations while still aiming to compete at the front. His remarks underline the challenges faced by teams adapting to the 2026 technical regulations and the difficulties in achieving both speed and durability.
Overall, Verstappen’s assessment provides insight into the technical hurdles Red Bull Racing is navigating this season. The situation highlights how even top teams can encounter setbacks that affect race pace and driver confidence, without necessarily compromising safety. The comments also illustrate the fine balance teams must strike between pushing the limits of performance and ensuring reliability in the highly demanding environment of Formula 1®.